Author Archives: ZSwire

I can almost see my wife’s eyes roll in the back of her head as I start this post. She knows when I’m about to share a new idea even before I do sometimes. She can feel it brewing. I love thinking up new ideas. … Read More »

To borrow from Ben Harper (with slight tweaks)… “(We) can change the world, with (our) own two hands.” You’re probably not aware that we’ve started a social good project within SWIRE. Together, we can change the world. We’ve got big goals, and we want you … Read More »

Dear Prospective Clients, I’m not writing to win your business. Nor trying to sell you. I simply want to share how we like working with you. We are a fit. Your team and mine. Our abilities should align well with your needs. We like your … Read More »

BEFORE YOU READ THIS POST If you’re on Empire Avenue, max out on my stock now before it jumps right back up! I’ll tell you why after you do… Okay, you’re back and happy (at least you should be :) Or, you have no clue … Read More »

Starbucks’ loyalty program has some flaws. Let me explain… HOOKED I don’t recall the first time I got hooked on that sweet milk and espresso. It was sometime before I began working for Starbucks back in 1997. After a couple years there, I no longer … Read More »

On Sunday mornings, I love breakfast with the fam. A box of Bisquick, some milk, eggs and fresh or frozen blueberries. And, if I’m going for gold, I’ll occasionally toss in vanilla, baking powder, and lemon juice. But, you can’t forget the secret ingredient; Dean … Read More »

I’m a believer in a simple Thank You. Yes, an email, call, tweet, Facebook message, and/or iChat are all nice, but there is just something special about getting a hand written note in the mail. It says… you took the time to meet or talk … Read More »

With us. To support an unbelievable cause. On June 25th, Team SWIRE will join a number of local teams that make up Team California to hike to the top of Mt. Baldy, 10,068 feet, the highest peak of the San Gabriels. We’re part of an … Read More »

Honestly, I don’t understand why anyone in business would not be on LinkedIn. I get that some are holdouts on the entire social world online (but I don’t understand why) and to them, that includes sites like LinkedIn. But really now, do they not understand … Read More »

One key way of keeping your office free from politics is creating a Courageous Culture. You and your peers must be willing to have courageous conversations. A couple years back, we put together this guideline for such conversations, which is shared on our internal wiki. Next … Read More »